Meteor Police, Rock Lobsters, & Intergalactic Interactions
You thought the buzz around LOCAL SUMMER had reached its peak with the compilation album release? Think again! When Meteor Police got the chance to cover the B-52s' "Rock Lobster," their excitement was palpable, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to give them the green light.
Since their formation in the spring of 2021, Ocean County's Meteor Police has been defying easy categorization with their unique blend of rock influences. Drawing comparisons to DC indie rock icons like Q and Not U and The Dismemberment Plan, as well as mainstream alt-rockers such as Jane’s Addiction and The Pixies, Meteor Police stands out by melding complex song structures with a driving rhythm section. Their debut album NEW TYPE DESTROYER and the Halloween-themed EP Hallowtide Hymns both showcase their talent for creating intricate, melodically rich tunes that are as biting as they are poetic.
For this compilation, the band took on the challenge of reimagining "Rock Lobster," a quintessential surf rock anthem that seemed to perfectly capture the spirit of summer. The decision to cover the track wasn’t just about its sunny vibe—though that certainly played a role.
The band was also drawn to the song’s playful and experimental nature, which they saw as a canvas for their own creative spin. Rumor has it that someone even claimed Shawn's voice had a hint of a more irate Fred Schneider, adding another layer of intrigue to the choice.
The result of Meteor Police’s efforts is "Rock(et) Lobster," a reworked version of the original that blends their signature sound with the infectious fun of the classic. Expect a refreshing take that both pays homage to the B-52s and showcases Meteor Police’s knack for inventive reimaginings.
The lore behind the making of this song is just as eclectic as the song itself. The lyrics describe a surreal beach party where a rock lobster and other strange sea creatures appear, leading to a chaotic and humorous scene. The song’s imagery and nonsensical elements are meant to evoke a sense of fun and playfulness, and it reflects the B-52’s penchant for offbeat and imaginative themes.
The B-52’s wrote “Rock Lobster” during their early days as a band, drawing inspiration from their love of quirky pop culture and their desire to create something unique and entertaining. The band members—Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson, and Keith Strickland—collaborated on the song, combining their eclectic influences and sense of humor. The track’s distinctive sound is partly due to the band's use of unconventional instruments and vocal styles, which helped establish their signature aesthetic.
The song’s success helped the B-52’s gain attention and laid the groundwork for their future as a prominent band in the new wave movement. Its playful, imaginative quality continues to make it a favorite among fans and a staple of their live performances.
Don't miss out on catching this cover live! Meteor Police will be performing "Rock(et) Lobster" this Friday, September 6th, at our Local Summer Celebration Show at the Asbury Park Brewery. Come out and join us for a night of rock, fun, and summer vibes!
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